Passing in a Channel...

[Gatto Nero]

I have to agree with Major on this one. In fact, I did it today. I was headed towards Paugas just in gear at idle speed but I kept climbing up on the stern of guy in front me. I had to keep taking it out of gear to slow down. It being a Monday the traffic was light so when the channel widened by the Naswa I saw that I had the room I left it in gear and passed to his port side. I wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere but it's not like I'm in a lunch line either. I was going my speed, he was going his. No harm, no fowl.

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

I have to agree with Major on this one. In fact, I did it today. I was headed towards Paugas just in gear at idle speed but I kept climbing up on the stern of guy in front me. I had to keep taking it out of gear to slow down. It being a Monday the traffic was light so when the channel widened by the Naswa I saw that I had the room I left it in gear and passed to his port side. I wasn't in a hurry to go anywhere but it's not like I'm in a lunch line either. I was going my speed, he was going his. No harm, no fowl.

I would agree that the area around the NASWA is sufficiently, wide enough that you could pass easily...however nearer the bridge is a much different story.
BTW each time I have been in the Weirs Channel this summer I have had to take my boat out of gear to maintain and not run up the aft of whomever was in front of me. I would imagine boats to my aft did the same.
That said, the only reason I would pass anyone is if they were stopped or addressing some other issue and not underway...otherwise, relax and enjoy the sights!

[ishoot308]

The problem in the channel is that some people don't understand the concept of overcoming the current. If the current is going at 3 mph you can't go at the same rpm or speed you normally go at in other no wake areas. You have to at least go fast enough to overcome the current...I avoid that area like the plague!

Dan

[Woody38]

I have gone through the Weirs Channel twice and have had to constantly shift
out of gear due to creeping up on boats in front of me. My 1938 Chris Craft
seems to idle faster than many or most others. Out of gear I am still being propelled at a slow speed and am at the mercy of the water situation so steering is ify at best. Don't think I would attempt passing unless there was little traffic. Coming through GI once toward Weirs I had to shift from forward to reverse several times as there were 4-5 boats the other direction closely following. I don't know if there is a rule at this bridge concerning letting boats going the opposite way any leeway.
As stated what's the rush.

I am now a retired workaholic and a continuing aquaholic.

Life is great when I wake in the morning and I am still above the grass.